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Aqua-Chem Inc, a Knoxville-based manufacturing company of water purification systems, was awarded the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Recognized Cost Saver Award for Small Business. Aqua-Chem’s President and CEO, David Gensterblum, and Ed Fye, Director of Military After-Market Parts, were on hand in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Tuesday October 29, 2013 to accept the award.

The Recognized Cost Saver Award is presented for extraordinary efforts that result in cost savings to the government by reducing material costs throughout the performance period of a contract. Savings are measured by: reduced item costs to the government, reduced profit margins, reduced government overhead, or other tangible areas of savings that ultimately lead to the DLA reducing its material costs to their customers. Gensterblum noted, "Aqua-Chem has been a very proud partner to our military warfighters dating back to World War II. Being recognized for our efforts in saving the DLA and the taxpayers money, is a result of our entire organization's efforts." He added, "To date, our H2O contract has saved the DLA more than $7 million dollars." "Aqua-Chem's timely delivery of the required parts and supplies to our troops while saving millions of dollars is a reflection of Aqua-Chem's commitment to provide innovative supply chain solutions to the DLA," said Margaret Mickey, Supplier Relationship Manager of the DLA. Mickey went on to say, "Aqua-Chem's on-time delivery score for the H2O contract has exceeded 95% each year, which directly equates to increased readiness posture for our nation's defense."

The contract, through the Defense Logistics Agency Maritime Division, requires Aqua-Chem to provide continuous direct vendor deliveries to the nation’s warfighters. Aqua-Chem is fulfilling the contract requirements by working directly with key suppliers, original equipment manufacturers, and through superb supply chain management. Aqua-Chem stores and manages materials that support two versions of the Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units, (ROWPU) the Lightweight Water Purification System, (LWP) and the Tactical Water Purification System (TWPS). The Army and Marine Corps use these systems in remote locations worldwide, as well as in disaster relief efforts to provide clean potable water.

The contract requires a minimum Automated Best Value Score (ABVS) of 92% for on time deliveries of parts and supplies to our military warfighters. Aqua-Chem’s intense management of this contract has resulted in a world-class ABVS score of 96.9% for 2012. Gensterblum went on to say, "This is a great company achievement and reflects highly on individual dedication and professionalism of our employees."

In the 1980s and 1990s, Aqua-Chem designed and produced the first ROWPU systems used by the military and was part of a team that developed and fielded the first TWPS system. Aqua-Chem’s supply chain management ensures continued support of these systems that remain in the field today.

About Aqua-Chem, Inc.:

Founded in 1940, Aqua-Chem is a leading solutions provider in evaporation and membrane technologies and water pretreatment equipment, with a full array of engineering, manufacturing, installation, training, part aftermarket and maintenance services. The company serves the needs of customers in the following major markets: offshore oil & gas, land forces and naval military branches, pharmaceutical/biotech, beverage, commercial marine, micro-utilities/land-based and Industrial Water Reuse. Based in Knoxville, TN, Aqua-Chem sells and services its products in more than 100 countries around the world. For more information, visit http://www.aqua-chem.com.

Aqua-Chem is a portfolio company of Altus Capital Partners, Inc., an investment firm specializing in middle market manufacturing companies based in the U.S. To learn more about Altus Capital Partners, visit http://www.altuscapitalpartners.com.